The BONDS Flying Roos and Artemis Racing laid down early markers on opening day of the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, topping their respective groups after a dramatic afternoon of racing in challenging light-air conditions.
The day’s action got off to an unusual start when the opening Group A race was abandoned despite Championship leaders the Bonds Flying Roos crossing the finish line first. The Aussies had foiled away cleanly from the start and controlled the fleet throughout, but with the leaders crossing the line moments after the nine-minute time limit expired, race officials ordered a restart.
When racing resumed the Black Foils made the strongest getaway, but Tom Slingsby’s crew quickly reeled them in before the first mark. From there, the Australians controlled proceedings to secure their first race win of the day. Spain’s Los Gallos capitalized on the abandoned opening race to claim second place, while the returning Black Foils completed the podium in third.
Group B’s opening contest produced one of the standout performances of the day. The United States team nailed the start, with Emirates GBR tucked in behind, but it was the Explora Swiss SailGP Team that stole the show.
After finding their groove midway through the race, the Swiss rose onto their foils and surged through the fleet, overtaking every boat ahead of them to secure their first race victory of the 2026 Season. Artemis SailGP Team finished second, with Germany by Deutche Bank third, while the early leaders faded to fifth and sixth.
Back in Group A, Denmark’s ROCKWOOL team produced a superb start in the penultimate race of the session, but the Bonds Flying Roos once again showcased their growing strength in lighter winds. Despite struggling at the first mark, the Aussies fought back through the fleet to claim another victory and complete a perfect two-from-two scoreline.
The result capped an impressive display from Slingsby and his crew in conditions that have not always suited them in previous seasons. The Black Foils finished the day second in Group A after an encouraging return to action following their four-month absence.
The final race of the day saw Artemis and Emirates GBR engage in a thrilling head-to-head battle at the front of the fleet. Artemis ultimately edged the British team to the finish line to secure the win and top Group B standings overnight, with Switzerland second thanks to a consistent 1-3 scorecard.
